An Examination of College Students’ Social Media Use, Fear of Missing Out, and Mindful Attention

Abstract

This study investigated problematic social media use (PSMU), the fear of missing out (FOMO), mindful attention, self-esteem, and life satisfaction among 278 undergraduate students. Results indicated that PSMU and FOMO negatively related to mindful attention, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. The mediation model suggested that mindful attention inversely mediated the relationship between FOMO and PSMU. Thus, FOMO predicted PSMU in users who were less mindfully attentive. We discuss the results, limitations, implications, and recommendations for research.